Books and their binding...

Have you noticed that bookbinding is no longer the art it once was? I can understand it in paperback books but hard covers also prevent the opening of a page without it turning back to a closed position. Yes, tight bookbinding makes reading difficult at times.

It is so frustrating when an enthralling story is interrupted by a need to try and force the pages into an open position – a permanent one.  Having rheumy hands doesn’t help although they don’t present a problem at any other time.

The worst time is if I want to read in bed. I can’t read in a sitting position so I have to lie down and hold a book in front of me. Paperbacks are the best, unless I get one that is too tightly bound, in which case I spend half the time forcing the pages to defy the binding. Real problems come with hardbacks. They’re too heavy, you see, and they defy all attempts to keep pages open if the binding is too restrictive.

So, it’s paperbacks in bed and hardbacks in my chair in the lounge where I can use a lap tray to rest the book; this leaves both hands free, one to hold the book and tray steady and the other to stop the pages flipping over while I’m reading.

Book binding skills seem to have gone by the board. From what I can make out they are now glued solid into their covers instead of hand stitched, although I suspect valuable tomes are still bound the old way. Still, it’s only to be expected that cheap methods lead to cheaper products and larger sales. I just wish someone would tell the bookbinders about my hands! 

My week.... the good and the irritating!

Delivered 2, Posted two. I know it sounds like a football score but actually it’s the amount of books I’ve sold this week. Whoopee! The Chairman of the TG has also asked me to read one of my short stories at the January meeting. Do you think 2^nd January is too late for a short Christmas tale?

Can’t believe I’m talking about January... I haven’t yet got round to thinking about Christmas. I guess that’s because we don’t know what the immediate future holds. We have bought some Christmas cards though, that’s a start. Oh, and we’ve booked our usual Christmas lunch at the lovely Moor Hall. We go there every year so it would be a shame to miss it. Still, never mind the food ... as long as Joe is okay that’s all that matters.

I suppose I’d better think of what to hint at for a Christmas present. Does anyone else have that trouble? The older I get the less things I want or need so if anyone asks ‘What would you like for Christmas’ I really have no idea. I’m in the lucky position that if I want anything I just go out and buy it, which beats hoping someone will buy a certain something and being disappointed if I don't get it.

Oh what a dilemma! I so want to delete the Blogger blog roll and move permanently to Bloglovin’ and all its faults. So why do I hesitate? It’s like this, whilst mostly I can rely on Bloglovin’ showing my friends recent posts, it doesn’t always enable me to leave a comment. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t, which necessitates getting further access to blogs without any outside help.

We rely on systems we set up and it irks when Blogger spoils things by not acting as we want. Showing older posts instead of the current one or not showing the blog at all is driving me nuts.

Because our new WI secretary didn’t know the ropes, my institute failed to book a WI Advisor to attend our AGM, which is normal procedure. The President had no choice but to run the meeting without a WIA. The day before the meeting a member rang me to check if this was legal ... it took half an hour to satisfy her that it was all above-board. 

The picture, by the way is of The Royal Albert Hall in London where our National AGM is held. Our hall is just a spacious but cosy wooden hut behind a church. 

But, I degress....

I felt reasonably confident that everything would be done according to the book since the President was just completing her ninth year of office and therefore should know all the ropes. Or so I thought! Reports were presented, but there was no vote for President (a yearly event) nor any mention of it. Disgruntled ladies went home, inwardly fuming instead of speaking out. My time at the meeting was occupied trying to right a wrong for a new member so I didn’t cotton on straight away that there hadn't been a vote.  

Next day, my phone was like a hot line with yet another lady asking me to sort it out. That’s the disadvantage of being an ex-Chair... one has to take responsibility for error-fixing, whether I like it or not. After notifying Federation and receiving their advice, I then rang the President-of-nine-years-standing only to find out that she knew nothing about WI procedure. I can only think she’s slept through all nine AGMs. It took me three-parts of an hour to explain the system. 

The next stage will be an election at the start of the December meeting, in the company of an official WIA, when I foresee huge disappointment on the part of the current President.

Joe continues to be philosophical about his medical condition, although if it was me I’d be howling the place down. On Thursday we are due to see the doctor in charge of Oncology though I don’t know what will happen on that day. An ultra-sound scan is also booked, as informed by the very nice Surgeon who appears to be somewhat mystified. 

Enjoy your week, folks. 

NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT

I'm as proud as punch because, at last, I’ve done it. All my work is now in book form, eight books in total. I think I mentioned before that I am donating some to the WI auction on Thursday, it will be interesting to see members reaction, if any. The Townswomen's Guild (henceforth referred to as TG) has asked me to read one of my stories at the birthday meeting. I’m honoured to be asked but it poses a problem ... which one shall I read? Decisions, decisions! 

UPDATE ON JOE

Joe came out of hospital last week and we have a district nurse coming in once a week to do what's necessary. 

On Saturday I took him out to lunch. He paid, of course, but I took him! We had a lovely meal and it was great to be out together in a pleasant environment instead of talking by a hospital bed. We treated ourselves to starters of soup (him) and spinach and cheese etcetera (me), followed by a sea-bass meal and exotic desserts – a mess of fruit compote and meringue for him and panna cotta for me, with floater coffee to die for.

Our table faced the lake where experienced and novice sailors navigated their yachts. Although the sky was filled with heavy clouds the sun’s brilliance showed on the water. I tried to get a decent picture of it but window frames and half drawn blinds were an obstruction. I’ve cropped the pictures in an attempt to show the scene rather than the restaurant windows. Foolishly I'd gone out without thinking I might get some good photo shots so I only had the phone camera with me ... yeah, I know, I’m an idiot.

See what I mean about obstacles!

See the glistening water. ... it positively shimmered

Mel, you will be pleased to know that I’m sticking with the cleaner. She’s GREAT, well at half my age she should be, don’t you think? Last week I asked if she would concentrate on my work room/office, which is always the last place to get much. Before I knew what was what, the girl had the nets down and was cleaning the windows. That was after she vacuumed throughout the bungalow, mopped the kitchen floor and my rather large laundry room. Oh to have youth at one’s side! I love her to bits. 

I am now a dab hand at ordering groceries on line; just had my third delivery. It’s great that I can have it all delivered when I want it and not have to wait for them to decide. If I forget something it’s no sweat to pop out to the local store and at least I don’t have to break my neck to do it.

Any more tips, Mel, and I’ll be pleased to consider them... yeah! 

It always takes a while to get into the swing of things when joining a new outfit but after a year’s attendance I now feel at home at the TG monthly meetings. What is noticeable is the difference in people. The last meeting I attended is a case in point ... after telling one or two about Joe’s medical condition the word spread and lots of women came to me at the end to give their best wishes. That’s more than they do at WI. Members there are a lot more reserved.

For several years Joe has played a part in the local institute by checking their books at year end and giving the benefit of advice, so I guess something will be mentioned at the next AGM. He hasn't exactly pulled out but it has been suggested by letter that it might be in their best interest to find someone else, purely as a just-in-case situation.

My eyes have been opened lately, surprisingly so. I have been a member of the WI for 21 years, a comparative newcomer compared to some, and always thought the organisation was the be-all-and-end-all of establishments for women. That is until I met Marion, an old WI colleague who had also joined the Townswomen’s Guild. She invited me to go along. After retiring as WI County Chairman I was at a loose end with regard to outside commitments so I took her up on the idea.

Marion was with a different WI for many years, until it was closed for lack of officer support. The usual story, nobody wanting to take office and run the institute so it had to be suspended and then closed. Not wanting to lose out on WI altogether Marion and a few others joined another local institute and invited me along. And you should hear them complain: it’s cliquey, nobody speaks, we can’t hear what’s going on, this isn’t for me, are complaints thrown around every month ... and I thought it was only me that noticed!

It is said that fame goes before you. One thing I’ve discovered is that an ex-County Chairman doesn’t fit in easily. Joe said that would be the case but I didn’t really believe it. The President of the WI in question, who was once very friendly, now keeps her distance and if I dare make suggestions (requested) about, for example, raising much needed funds, she responds with a look which I interpret as a sort of ‘who do you think you are’ attitude.  Perhaps she thinks I might dictate rules or something. Well, far be it from me to do such a thing. It’s all very off-putting but there's some consolation in knowing that other ex-chairs have experienced similar things. I cannot see the TG ladies behaving in that way... they are much more relaxed and waste no time bending a few rules if the mood takes them. 

It’s a shame, because the WI is a fantastic organisation that does a lot of good for communities far and wide. Maybe in time, with new and younger blood coming in, things might change. Maybe younger members won’t learn how to whinge or constantly complain about rising fees, or maybe they will pass on their untainted views and teach the oldies a thing or two. We can but hope. 

LATEST NEWS

My lovely stepdaughter is getting married in November, in Australia, and it’s really sad that her father is unable to attend because of ill health. So what we've done is to give Rosanne a wedding present that we can all enjoy. A video, professionally done, of the whole occasion, the wedding and the reception. I just know we'll be choked up when we see it.

Without going into too much detail, I’ll just touch on the various appointments with doctors and hospitals. After one of the yearly ‘well man’ blood checks our local doctor was worried about Joe’s kidneys, and that led to numerous hospital appointments and the discovery of a cancerous tumour on the bladder. A failed attempt was made to fit a stent to move it away from the kidney and another one was planned.

In the meantime an emergency visit was made to our surgery where we were seen by a new-to-us doctor, Dr Begum, believed to be a locum. Dr Begum, a lady of Asian [presumed] descent, was apparently a former surgeon. Since then she has telephoned twice to see how Joe is and to offer assistance in the form of explanation about what goes on inside the body and what the operation attempts to achieve. Bearing in mind she is not the doctor we are registered with, I think it was very kind of her to take time out of a busy schedule to check on Joe’s welfare.

So the BIG C hits home. Not something you plan for under normal circumstances, is it? However, whilst Joe is not overjoyed at the news he is being level headed about it and I know that as reality sinks in he will face it and the future optimistically. There are two choices on which medical route to take, surgery or chemo plus radiotherapy. Both were fully explained so make a decision easier. At the moment we’re thinking about surgery, since there is a chance the cancer will grow again after radiotherapy. However, the final choice may well be influenced by the outcome of the next scan (known as nuclear medicine). It’s definitely a wait-and-see game. 

Right now Joe is back in hospital having had an operation to fit a new stent. Please God this works.

View from the ward window

View from Joe's bed

Needless to say my blogging time is limited. However, Joe and I are indulging in the good wishes of friends. My heart overflows with all the kindness, concern and encouraging words.

PRINTED BOOKS

To give me something to do while spending so much time at home I’ve been sorting out all my writing and getting it printed. Yes, I’m having everything turned into books by a great printing firm I found on-line. Not overly expensive, either. It was something I had wanted to do for years to pass on to the family.

 I’m half way through the operation and enjoying it immensely. Several copies of each book have been ordered and I’m donating one of each to the WI to raise funds. We have an auction coming up soon so it will be interesting to see if there are any bids! I’m actually enjoying this more than when I put stuff on Kindle, and the print is more accurate than Kindle manages to achieve. I get the layout I want, and spaces and indentations where I want them, instead of submitting it correctly and having Kindle change it to their way of doing things.

I get rather frustrated when I read downloaded books and find so many large gaps between paragraphs and layouts that I’m pretty sure are not the fault of the author. Gone are the days when publishers edited our work before printing but since we can’t get them interested in the first place I guess we have to put up with second best. It’s a tough world!

Will visit you all as soon as I can.... you can bet on that. Hugs to you all.

ADDITIONS TO KINDLE

There is a certain thrill in seeing my books listed on Amazon, a sort of 'can't believe it' feeling. Even if the books don't sell I will still feel proud that they're up there for all to see. Yea, I now have four books on Kindle.  First to hit the publishing field were the animal stories, followed by a novel, and finally a volume of short stories entitled Fiction in Miniature. The stories are of mixed genre and represent the first in a series called Val's Tales. 

 Once Upon A Time ... a tale of two rescued dogs
Butch describes his new life on a farm. 

Feline Capers
Lee, the cat, shares the details of her daily antics and her new friend.

Trust Not The Vow
A full blown novel set in the fifties, beginning with adolescent infatuation and ending in tragedy.  

Fiction in Miniature
The first volume of the Val's Tales series.